Haanism

Today, after coming back from dinner with college mates, an e-card appeared in my mailbox.

I'm a bit surprised, because it's from a Taiwanese, Steve. He was one of my Asian students, when I tutored an introductory computing course in the year 2004, at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). Honestly, I never expect to receive any greeting from him. This is the very first time from "my student".


When I did my one-year Honours program in 2004, I was given the opportunity to tutor. The offer was from the Faculty of Business. Although I was scared, but the lucrative monetary return urged me to accept it. Also, that was something I'd never thought of doing: teach at an Australian university, face a big group of native English speakers, and some of them were older than me. I told myself, I should just go ahead and try my best.

I tutored for 2 semesters in total. During Semester One, there were 3 Asian students - 2 from China (David, Andy), 1 from Hong Kong (Jackie). During Semester Two, there was only 1, Steve from Taiwan.

Due to the fact that they were first-year students, they used to tell me, they had difficulties in other tutorial classes. Before they could clearly hear and comprehend what the tutor said, the Aussie students had answered the questions. While in my class, they could get me better due to my Asian slang. However, I guess the Westerns might probably feel the opposite and found the sessions torturing :)

I've never thought of being someone to teach. My parents are teachers. Since young, I was told to be anyone but not a teacher. And according to my self-understanding, I'm the kind who likes to learn instead of to teach, especially at this age.

Nonetheless, am glad that I'd tried teaching before, although it's really not my cup of tea. Also, during my time in Toowoomba/USQ, I always received calls/mails from unknown people, asking for my help with assignments. Most of them were Malaysians, and there used to be an Indonesian and a Kenyan (a very bad memory for me). Apart from the Kenyan, I charged them no cent. If they intended to treat me a meal, I'd accept and just suggest a simple one at a nearby place (else they'd feel like owing me something).

Even after I moved to Sydney, someone still called and asked, if I can help with the subject Algebra and Calculus. I could only reply with apology.

A simple greeting from Steve made me reminisce my past. Maybe I should just stop.

Again, Merry Christmas.



P/S: Just chatting with someone about the traffic jam outside. I think people are going for countdown. FYI, the Australians (the other Westerns too, I guess) do not really countdown for Christmas. Instead, they spend their time with family and friends. Sometimes I don't understand why we enjoy countdowns so much :)